There were wins for AmaZulu, Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United and TS Galaxy in Tuesday’s DStv Premiership fixtures.
Orlando Pirates 1-0 Bloemfontein Celtic
Pirates moved up to third after beating ten man Celtic 1-0 at Orlando Stadium.
While Pirates showed early intent, they met good opposition in Celtic, who frustrated the Buccaneers’ attempts at getting the goal. While Pirates had chances, none threatened Jackson Mabokgwane’s goal until just before halftime and Mabokgwane was on hand to deny Siphesilhle Ndlovu.
Celtic were reduced to ten just before halftime, as Ndumiso Mabena was sent off for a bad studs up foul on Linda Mtnambo.
With the man advantage Pirates dominated proceedings but Celtic had chances, Richard Ofori saving good shots from Victor Letsoalo, in the 51st minute, and Lucky Baloyi, in the 59th.
Finally in the 62nd minute Pirates were in the lead, an excellent individual effort from Fortune Makaringe, who scored with a low shot from just outside the area.
Celtic proved tough opponents despite the numerical advantage, but in the end it was Pirates who picked up the three points.
AmaZulu 1-0 SuperSport United
Siphelele Mthembu handed AmaZulu a 1-0 win over SuperSport at Kings Park Stadium.
A bright start from Usuthu and they were in the lead in the 24th minute as Mthembu finished off from a cross by Augustine Mulenga, who had intercepted a loose ball and raced into the box, before cutting it back for ‘Shaka Zulu’.
The goal did seem to wake SuperSport up from their slumber, but at the break, while they may have led in most of the stats, they trailed the home team by one goal to nil.
And AmaZulu were able to take the three points as neither team added to the score in the second half, as SuperSport missed an opportunity to close the gap on leaders Pirates.
TS Galaxy 2-1 Swallows
Galaxy scored two late goals as they ended Swallows unbeaten run with a 2-1 win at Mbombela Stadium.
It was a goalless first half between Galaxy and Swallows, two of this season’s DStv Premiership rookies.
Swallows were awarded a penalty four minutes into the second half after Zephoniah Mbokoma was fouled. Ruzaigh Gamildien scored his tenth of the season.
A minute later Galaxy were awarded a penalty of their own, only for the referee to change his decision after consulting his assistant, much to the annoyance of the Galaxy players.
But they were level in the 85th minute when Lindokuhle Mbatha scored an individual effort.
Three minutes later Galaxy were in the lead as Bevan Fransman grabbed the goal.
Swallows unbeaten run in the league comes to an end, the first loss for the GladAfrica Champions in open play since the 8th of March 2020.
Maritzburg United 1-0 Black Leopards
Maritzburg grabbed a stoppage time winner against Leopards in the relegation zone battle at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Maritzburg could have been in the lead in the 19th minute but Jose Meza’s effort brushed the woodwork.
But it was a goalless first half between the two teams battling it out at the bottom of the league table.
It looked to be heading to a goalless draw but the home team were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, as new signing Ryan Rae was fouled in box.
Thabiso Kutumela, who was also captaining the team, stepped up and converted the important goal.
Maritzburg end a five game win-less streak and move up to 15th, with Leopards back into bottom spot on goal difference.
